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Carne Asada Recipe Crock Pot

Carne Asada Recipe Crock Pot - Freshly Ingredients

Crock pot carne asada is a straightforward twist on a classic Mexican dish that packs a punch in terms of flavor and ease. By sliding that flank steak into the slow cooker, you create a delightful meal with minimal effort.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • Here’s what I use for my flavorful crock pot carne asada:
  • - 2 pounds flank steak
  • - 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • - ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • - ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • - 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • - 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • - ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice about 1 large orange
  • - ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice one lime
  • - ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 1 lemon
  • - ¼ cup soy sauce or gluten-free alternative
  • - 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
  • - 1 tablespoon brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness and balances flavors
  • - Optional Additions:
  • - Pico de gallo
  • - Soft corn tortillas
  • - Avocado slices
  • - Cotija cheese or crumbled feta

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the spice rub
  1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good whisk to mix everything together evenly.
Step 2: Season the flank steak
  1. Drizzle the olive oil over the flank steak, ensuring it coats both sides. Then, rub half of the spice mixture over one side, pressing it in gently. Flip the steak over and repeat with the remaining spice mix. This allows all those fantastic flavors to get into the meat.
Step 3: Mix the marinade
  1. In another bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed orange, lime, and lemon juices, along with the soy sauce, white vinegar, and brown sugar. Mix until well combined. The combination of acids and sugars will enhance the flavor of the steak as it simmers.
Step 4: Set up the crock pot
  1. Lightly grease your crock pot with a tiny bit of olive oil or cooking spray. Pour half of the prepared juice mixture into the bottom of the crock pot, creating a flavor base for the steak.
Step 5: Add the steak
  1. Place the seasoned flank steak in the crock pot. Pour the remaining marinade over the top of the steak. Rub it around if you feel like giving it extra love.
Step 6: Slow cook to perfection
  1. Cover the crock pot and set it to LOW. Let it work its magic for about 6 hours. If you have time, resist the urge to open the lid while it cooks. The steam helps keep the meat tender!
Step 7: Finish and serve
  1. Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the steak from the crock pot and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute. To slice, grab a serrated knife and cut against the grain for tender slices. Finally, return the sliced steak to the crock pot and gently toss it in the juices. Time to feast!

Notes

- Choose the Right Cut: Flank steak or skirt steak works best for this recipe due to its flavor and texture.
- Allow It to Rest: Resting the meat after cooking helps maintain its juices, leading to a more delicious result.
- Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preference. Add more chili powder for extra heat!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh citrus juice really makes a difference in flavor compared to bottled.
- Pair with Fresh Sides: Consider serving with fresh pico de gallo, fresh guacamole, or a simple cabbage slaw for added crunch.